Animal Deterrents: From Low to High Tech Solutions
In the delicate balance of nature and human habitation, conflicts with wildlife are inevitable. Whether you’re an avid gardener, a farmer tending to crops, or simply a homeowner looking to protect your property, the need for effective animal deterrents has become increasingly apparent. As we coexist with the diverse array of creatures that share our spaces, finding ways to manage these interactions becomes crucial for both human and animal well-being. Visual, audio, and physical barriers emerge as the unsung heroes in this ongoing struggle, offering a humane and sustainable means of preventing damage and fostering harmonious cohabitation. Visual Deterrents Visual deterrents are powerful tools in managing human-wildlife conflicts, exerting their effects primarily through the manipulation of visual stimuli. These deterrents work by exploiting the visual system of various species, causing them to react with their natural instincts and modifying their behavior without causing harm. For example, the use of reflective materials, predator decoys, or flashing lights can startle and intimidate animals, deterring them from approaching specific areas. Visual deterrents leverage animals’ visual acuity and perception to create an environment that appears threatening or inhospitable. While their effectiveness can vary based on the target species and specific circumstances, visual deterrents offer a non-lethal and environmentally friendly solution to mitigating conflicts and promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife. However, it’s crucial to adapt these deterrents to the specific needs and behaviors of the animals in question to achieve the desired impact without causing unnecessary stress or harm. Low-Tech Holographic Tape Holographic tape deters wildlife by reflecting sunlight and creating dynamic, shimmering patterns that disorient and intimidate animals, acting as a deterrent to prevent them from approaching or causing damage to the area. Decoys & Kites Decoys and Kites deter wildlife by mimicking the appearance and movement of predators or other threatening species, creating a visual illusion that triggers a fear response in animals, encouraging them to avoid the area and reducing potential conflicts with humans or crops. High-Tech Margo AirScare The Margo AirScare, with its dynamic and erratic movements, deters wildlife visually by creating an unfamiliar and intimidating presence, discouraging animals from approaching or causing damage to the area through the unpredictable and visually disruptive display. Audio Deterrents Audio deterrents are tools employed in wildlife management to influence animal behavior through sound stimuli. These devices emit sounds that are often unpleasant or threatening to the target species, aiming to create an aversive environment and discourage them from specific areas. The effectiveness of audio deterrents relies on the animals’ sensitivity to sound frequencies, their adaptability, and their ability to associate the emitted sounds with potential threats. Common audio deterrents include ultrasonic devices, loud noises, or recorded predator calls. When used thoughtfully and adapted to the specific needs of the wildlife in question, audio deterrents can serve as a humane and non-lethal method to manage human-animal conflicts and promote coexistence in shared spaces. Low-Tech Whips Whips deter wildlife by creating loud cracking sounds and rapid movements, intimidating animals and establishing a perceived threat, prompting them to avoid the area and reduce the risk of human-wildlife conflicts. Blaster Siren Blaster Sirens deter wildlife by emitting loud, high-pitched noises, startling animals and creating an auditory disturbance that prompts them to move away from the source, helping to prevent potential human-wildlife conflicts. High-Tech Margo Squawk Box The Margo Squawk Box deters wildlife by emitting recorded sounds of natural predators, inducing fear and creating a perceived threat that encourages animals to avoid the area, minimizing potential conflicts with humans or livestock. Physical Barriers Physical barriers play a pivotal role in mitigating human-wildlife conflicts by creating tangible obstacles that discourage animals from accessing specific areas or exhibiting unwanted behaviors. Examples include electric fencing and bear spray, which are designed to offer protection without causing permanent harm. In essence, physical barrier deterrents offer a proactive approach to human-wildlife coexistence, providing a humane and effective means of protection. However, it’s crucial to use these deterrents responsibly, ensuring they are properly installed, maintained, and used in accordance with ethical wildlife management practices. Low-Tech D-Straps D-Straps deter wildlife by securing the lids tightly, preventing access to the contents and minimizing odors, thus discouraging animals from foraging through the trash. Bear Spray Bear spray deters wildlife, particularly bears, by releasing a powerful spray that causes temporary discomfort, irritation, and disorientation, discouraging the animal from approaching or attacking. High-Tech Electric Fencing Electric fencing deters wildlife by delivering a non-lethal yet deterrent electric shock upon contact, creating a psychological barrier that discourages animals from attempting to breach or cross the barrier.
Model Comparison: Margo Electra Scare Cannons
Margo Supplies carries a variety of Scare Cannons. Using the Margo Electra Scare cannon as as base, each option allows the user to control the cannon in a variety of different control options. Base Cannon: Margo Electra Scare Cannon Power Source: 12V Battery and Propane Control: Margo Digital Timer / Clock # Programmable Shots: 1-4 Tripod Compatible: Yes The Margo Electra Scare Cannon uses an advanced digital clock for pre-set firing times, multi-shot bursts, and two random firing modes to reduce animal tolerance. Compatible Upgrades Base Cannon: Margo Electra Scare Cannon Power Source: 12V Battery and Propane Control: Push Button Controller # Programmable Shots: 1-4 Tripod Compatible: No This cannon uses the Margo Electra Scare Cannon as a base, with the added push-button controller. The push-button controller allows the user to fire the cannon on demand. Compatible Upgrades Base Cannon: Margo Electra Power Source: 12V Battery and Propane Control: High-Frequency Radio Control # Programmable Shots: 1-4 Tripod Compatible: Yes This cannon uses the Margo Electra Scare Cannon as a base with a High-Frequency Radio Controller that allows the user to fire the cannon remotely on a line-of-sight range of up to 8km (5mi). Radio operates at 900MHz with 99 channels. Compatible Upgrades Base Cannon: Margo Electra Power Source: 12V Battery and Propane Control: Cellular Data # Programmable Shots: 1-4 Tripod Compatible: Yes This cannon uses the Margo Electra Scare Cannon as a base with NEW Cellular control. Experience the added ease of remote firing and monitoring. Control your cannon, view its status, and customize settings from anywhere with an internet connection. Compatible Upgrades
Model Comparison: What Scare Cartridge Launcher Do I Need?
Margo Supplies provides the Best Launchers for wildlife management. Compare the models of Scare Cartridge Launchers to find the best launchers for you Margo Thunderstick (#5800) a non-gun launcher designed specifically for the airport and industrial use. The Thunderstick is easy to use and has 3 safety mechanisms: A safety switch, a pin, and a gravity trigger that locks the trigger when the launcher is pointed downward. Blanks: 6mm Good For: Heavy industrial use. 5-Shot Adapter Compatible: No Fast Firing: Yes Ease of Maintenance: Simple maintenance at the end of each use. Record Single-Shot (#5100) a simple and affordable option that is easy to maintain. The single-shot uses 6mm crimped blanks. It is Ideal for hikers, hunters, and other outdoor enthusiasts as well as for light industrial use. It comes in a bright safety orange colour. Blanks: 6mm Good For: Affordable low volume use. 5-Shot Adapter Compatible: No Fast Firing: Moderate, Ease of Maintenance: Simple daily maintenance. Record Double-Shot (#5101) Unlike the single-record shot, this launcher can load 2 blanks and cartridges at a time to be fired in quick succession. Ideal for hikers, hunters, and other outdoor enthusiasts as well as for light industrial use. It comes in a bright safety orange colour. Blanks: 6mm Good For: Affordable low volume use. 5-Shot Adapter Compatible: No Fast Firing: Moderate, Double Shot allows for more aggressive hazing. Ease of Maintenance: Simple daily maintenance. RG-3 (#5120) The RG-3 is one of our more compact launcher options. Simple in its use and easy to carry. Blanks: 6mmGood For: Light to moderate industrial use. 5-Shot Adapter Compatible: NoFast Firing: YesEase of Maintenance: Simple daily, frequent deep cleans RG-300 (#5170) The RG-300 is very similar to the RG-3, but the RG-300 loads 10 blanks in a clip. Blanks: 6mmGood For: Light to moderate industrial use. 5-Shot Adapter Compatible: NoFast Firing: YesEase of Maintenance: Simple daily, frequent deep cleans. RG-59 (#5500) The RG-59 revolver uses .380 blanks and can load up to 5 at a time. This launcher is able to be used with the 5 shot adapter which screws into the barrel and allows for simultaneous launching of any combination of up to five 15mm pyrotechnic scare cartridges. Blanks: .380 Good For: Aggressive scaring and cold weather use. 5-Shot Adapter Compatible: YesFast Firing: YesEase of Maintenance: Simple daily with detailed monthly cleans. RG-89 (#5600) The RG-89 revolver is the more weighty version of the RG-59. It also uses .380 blanks. Blanks: .380Good For: Aggressive Scaring 5-Shot Adapter Compatible: YesFast Firing: YesEase of Maintenance: Simple daily with detailed monthly cleans. RG-88 (#5350) The RG-88 is a dependable semi-automatic launcher that uses 9mm P.A. blanks. It has a 7 blank clip capacity for rapid deployment. This launcher can be used with the 5-shot adapter. Separate magazines can be purchased for speed loading and firing. Blanks: 9mm P.A.Good For: Aggressive Scaring 5-Shot Adapter Compatible: YesFast Firing: YesEase of Maintenance: Simple daily with detailed monthly cleans. At varying price points and purposes, our range of launchers suits many different needs. If you are interested in any of the above but are unsure of what would work best for you, call or email Margo Supplies to find out more.
Bird Repellent: How to Keep Unwanted Birds Away with a System-Based Approach
Birds can cause significant damage to agricultural crops, interrupt industrial operations and even pose a danger to humans, such as during airplane bird strikes. Unfortunately, when birds are rewarded with a safe place to roost, food or other high value attractants, they can be difficult to keep away. Luckily, non-lethal repellent tools used in a strategic system can chase birds away and keep them from returning. There are three different classes of deterrents: Audio deterrents, Visual deterrents, and Active deterrents. You can create an effective bird repellent system by using a variety of options from each class. In this way, it is possible to efficiently protect anything from backyard blueberry crops to the biggest airports in the world in an affordable manner. While some individual species can be more sensitive to specific stimulus, this general strategy holds true for all species of birds. Repellents or deterrents work by utilizing involuntary physiological stress responses from birds when they think that they’re in danger. The greater the perceived threat from the deterrents are, the higher the likelihood of the birds believing they’re in constant danger; keeping them away from the controlled area. We call this “creating a landscape of fear”. For this to work, the fear you impart must be stronger than the attractant that brought them there in the first place. The most effective way to create this landscape is to use repellents from each of the deterrents classes to prevent habituation. Deterrent Classes Explained: Audio Audio: Deterrents that incorporate loud noises to startle and chase birds from the control area. Examples: Our Propane Cannons emit a 120 decibel (dB) audio blast, similar to the sound of a shotgun. All species of birds are sensitive to this sound. Continually move the propane scare cannons from place to place to keep birds from becoming accustomed to it. Propane cannons can effectively be combined with one of our Bird Gard speaker systems, which replicate the sound of injured birds in distress. Unwanted birds will connect the area with danger when they hear the cries from the speaker. Specific sounds combinations are available to most North American bird species. Visual Visual: Deterrents that make use of reflective material, lights, flashing, simulations or other visual elements. Examples: The strongest sense for a bird is their eyesight, which they rely on for flying, finding food and avoiding predators. Visual deterrents, such as predator effigies or dead decoys, are a non-lethal way to trick even the most intelligent prey species into believing predators are hunting in the area when they see “one of their own” that has been “killed” or a “predator” perched nearby. This further convinces them that your control area is unsafe to remain in. Active Active: Deterrents that are directly controlled by humans as a responses to birds in the area. The active class can include audio and visual deterrents as well. Example: Our most popular products, 15mm pyrotechnic scare cartridges, offer a variety of visual and audio effects and travel between 30m – 380m+ (90ft – 1250ft+) through the air. We stock the largest selection of pyrotechnic scare cartridges in North America. Combining different cartridges creates more chaos and prevents birds from becoming habituated to any one special effect and since you are using the deterrent only when needed, it is difficult for birds to become accustomed to these disruptive sights and sounds. We also supply the strongest hand-held bird control lasers allowed in Canada. Geese are particularly sensitive to the strange light pattern from the laser and react immediately. Like all tools, different bird repellent tools have their strengths and weaknesses. Don’t leave any safe havens in your control area; active and immediate use of deterrents prevent birds from being rewarded. The best bird control programs combine audio, visual, and active deterrents.
From Fruit to Fences: How I Became a Leader in Wildlife Management
My name is Jeff Marley and I’m the founder and owner of Margo Supplies. Working on my wife’s family orchard, I quickly learned how wildlife damage can impact total yields. I began experimenting with pyrotechnic scare cartridges and developed my own techniques to reduce damage in our fields back in the late 1970s. Using this experience, I began to develop my own techniques to reduce the incidents of wildlife in our fields. Developing these products became a passion of mine. After moving to Alberta, I started expanding my product offerings, sold units to neighbouring farms, then began working with government agencies and other industries. Margo Supplies was born in 1980. Behaviour-Based Solutions Throughout my career in wildlife management, I’ve learned the importance of working with and taking advantage of natural animal behaviour. By creating a “landscape of fear,” we can deter animals from entering control areas and create lasting changes in the local environment – your control area. Our goal is to get the target animals to associate your control area with negative stimuli, reducing their determination to enter the area. Behavioural solutions are often the best way to ensure that an animal doesn’t simply replace another in the future. We want to create a lasting impact in the target area. Whether you have issues with birds eating your fruit or bears invading your camps and parks, if you convince them it’s unsafe, they will learn. Non-Lethal We are manufacturers and users of our products. We prefer to use simple, yet effective tools that don’t get in the way of your home or operation. And because they’re effective, you likely will incur fewer costs with generate better results. Practical Solutions By protecting an area using our “landscape of fear” tactic, we can achieve behavioural-based solutions in a humane and environmentally friendly way. Our use of visual, auditory, or painful stimulants in the control area are more effective – which saves you money over time. Lethal tactics can solve one problem, but it won’t solve multiple ones down the line. I know first-hand that a predominantly non-lethal philosophy will better serve your needs. Systems-Based Approach I’m in this business because I love the outdoors. I believe it’s important to give back to support wildlife conservation efforts. We donate our time, products and services as well as financial support to the conservation of black, grizzly and polar bears in western North America and the High Arctic. Conservation We take a systems-based approach to resolving wildlife conflict issues. This means by using our tools and techniques, we’ll help you create a comprehensive strategy that will keep unwanted wildlife away from the control area. Our systems and philosophy are implemented on our site and used by many of our industry partners. We extensively research and test each system and product. Logistics Support Conflict with wildlife often happens in the backcountry. We understand these are remote areas, that are difficult to ship to – and when you need a product, you need it right away. That’s why we’ve set up four shipping warehouses to dramatically reduce the time it takes to get you your solutions. We’ve shipped to every corner of the globe. After over 35 years, I’ve worked with and gained insight into the various needs of industry, government, and outdoors people, and feel confident that my expertise can create a lasting solution for your needs. -Jeff Marley Margo Supplies was born out of a love for the backcountry life, a desire to help people’s businesses thrive, and a respect for the wildlife that share our planet with us.
